In this interdisciplinary narrative; the never-ending "completion" of Chinas most important street offers a broad view of the relationship between art and ideology in modern China. Changan Avenue; named after Chinas ancient capital (whose name means "Eternal Peace"); is supremely symbolic. Running east-west through the centuries-old heart of Beijing; it intersects the powerful north-south axis that links the traditional centers of political and spiritual legitimacy (the imperial Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven). Among its best-known features are Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People; as well as numerous other monuments and prominent political; cultural; financial; and travel-related institutions. Drawing on Changan Avenues historic ties and modern transformations; this study explores the deep structure of the Chinese modernization project; providing both a big picture of Beijings urban texture alteration and details in the design process of individual buildings.Political winds shift; architectural styles change; and technological innovations influence waves of demolition and reconstruction in this analysis of Changan Avenues metamorphosis. During collective design processes; architects; urban planners; and politicians argue about form; function; and theory; and about Chinese vs. Western and traditional vs. modern style. Every decision is fraught with political significance; from the 1950s debate over whether Tiananmen Square should be open or partially closed; to the 1970s discussion of the proper location; scale; and design of the Mao Memorial/Mausoleum; to the more recent controversy over whether the egg-shaped National Theater; designed by the French architect Paul Andreu; is an affront to Chinese national pride.For more information: http://arthistorypi.org/books/chang-an
#4268139 in eBooks 2015-06-23 2015-06-23File Name: B010O8IAQ8
Review
